Well packer and circulation joint



R. c. BAKER ETAL 2,841,224

WELL PACKER AND CIRCULATIQN JOINT 2 Sheets-Sheet l July 14, 1958 Filed April 25. 1952 ...ffii/fil? v R. c. BAKER ETAL 2,841,224 WELL PACKER AND CIRCULATION JOINT 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 25, 1952 vve/vroes. REUEEN C. 3455A?, MAeT/N B. COMQAQ BY i lATTORNEYS United States Patent O f kanal WELL PACKER AND CRCULATION JOINT Reuben C. Baker, Coalinga, and Martin B. Conrad, Downey, Calif., assignors to Baker Oil Tools, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Application April 25, 1952, Serial No; 284,346

Claims. (Cl. 16d-134.)

The present invention relates to subsurface well tools, and more particularly to tools capable of performing testing, pressuring, swabbing, producing, cementing, washing, acidizing, and similar operations, in Well bores.

In our application for Retrievable Well Packer, Serial No. 243,982, filed August 28, 1951, now Patent No. 2,681,113, patented June l5, 1954, a well packer is disclosed which is run in a Well casing on a tubular string and set therein by taking an upward pull on the tubular string. The packer is capable of withstanding pressure in the annulus above it between the tubular string and the casing.

Release of the packer is accomplished by lowering the tubular string. However, to secure safe release, it is desirable to first relieve the pressure in the annulus between the tubular string and the casing. lt is also desirable for the packer to remain anchored to the well cas-` ing until such annulus pressure is relieved. Again, during the time that the packer is set, the pressure in the annulus should not tend to release it. c

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to facilitate release of a well packer from its Set position in a well bore, when the packer is subjected to the pressure of iluid thereabove in the annulus between the well bore and the tubular string to which the packer is attached.

Another object of the invention is to provide a circulation joint or control valve vin conjunction with the well packer, in which the pressure in the annulus above the packer and between the tubular string and casing holds the well packer in such position until the circulation joint is opened and the pressure inside and outside the tubular string allowed to substantially equalize.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a circulation joint and well packer combination, in which the parts are so proportioned that the pressure in the annulus between the casing and the tubular string exerts a resultant upward force on the combination tending to hold the well packer anchored in packed-ott condition within the well casing.

A further object of the invention is to cause the pressure in the annulus between the casing and the tubular string to exert an upward force on the apparatus, tending to maintain the well packer set in the well casing during the time the circulation joint is open, for the purpose of allowing the annulus iluid to ow into the tubular string, and until the pressure in the annulus is substantially equal to the iluid pressure in the tubular string.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a well packer and circulation joint combination in which the joint can be easily opened in the presence of a predominating iluid pressure in the annulus between the casing and the tubular string attached to the circulation joint.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may f p 2,841,224 Ice Patented July 1, 1953 be embodied.. This form is shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specication. It will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings: Y

Figures 1, la and 1b together constitute a longitudinal section, with parts shown in elevation, of a combined circulation joint and well packer, the circulation joint being disclosed in closed position and the well packer anchored in packed-oit condition against the well casing, Fig. la constituting a lower continuation of Fig. l, and Fig. 1b constituting a lower continuation of Fig. la;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, illustrating the circulation joint in open position;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal section, partly in elevation, illustrating the circulation joint in closed position;

Fig. 4 is a cross-section taken along the line 4 4 on Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a cross-section taken along the line 5-5 on Fig. 3.

As disclosed in the drawings, awell packer A is lowered in a well casing B on a tubular string C, of drill pipe or tubing, to the point in the casing at which the packer is to be set in packed-off condition. As illustrated in Figs. la and lb, the packer has already been set in such packed-oil condition in the well casing.

Thepacker A is of the retrievable type, in that it can be anchored to the well casing B, and released therefrom at the will of the operator. It is also capable of resisting longitudinal movement in both directions within the well casing, despite the presence of comparatively high pressure diierentials that might tend to pump the tool up the casing or down the casing, as the case may be. The lower end of the tubular string C is constituted by a circulation joint or control valve D for determining the flow of iiuid between the interior of the tubular string C and the annulus E between the casing and the tubular string.

The well packer A includes a sectional tubular member or body 10 that may extend substantially the entire length of the apparatus. The upper end of this tubular member is threaded into the lower end of the outer barrel or cylinder 11 of the circulation joint D. The lower end of the tubular member is threaded into a guide 12 that may constitute the terminal portion of the packer apparatus. Surrounding the lower portion of the mandrel or body 10 is an arrangement for anchoring the well tool to the casing against downward movement therein, the anchoring means being releasable and retractable when desired. Such anchoring mechanism includes the guide 12 just referred to, which has an internal groove 13 therein which a lower outwardly directed flange 14 of 'a spring-like member 15, in the form of a rubber sleeve, is positioned, to couple the lower end of the rubber sleeve to the guide. The elastic rubber sleeve 15 constitutes a tie member surrounding the lower portion of the body 10, with its upper end also having an external flange 16 located within an internal groove 17 in a lower slip ring 18 surrouding the body. This lower slip ring couples a set of lower slips 19 together for longitudinal movement in unison. It is provided with circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending grooves 20 in which the lower ends of links 21 are positioned, each link having a pin 22 extending transversely from the sides thereof for disposition within a peripheral groove 23 in the slip ring 18. The longitudinal slots 20 extend on both sides of the groove 23,

gageable with a stop ring 24 encompassing the slip ring and secured to the latter by one or more screws 25. The pins 22 are engageable withtheupper and lower faces of the peripheral groove 23 to prevent substantial longitudinal movement between the links 21 and the slip ring 18. The links, however, can rock on the slip ring 18 by virtue of the rolling engagement of the pins 22 against either side of the peripheral groove 23.

The lower set of links 21 extends upwardly from the slip ring 18, being pin connected to the lower portion of the set of lower slips 19. Each lower slip 19 has downwardly facing wickers or teeth 26 for Vembedding in the wall of the well casing B, and it is also provided with an inner surface 27. inclined upwardly in a direction away from the axis of the body 10, for cooperation with a companion surface 28 on an outer expander segment 29. There is one outer expander segment 29 for each lower slip 19, and these segments 29 together constitute an outer expander for wedging the slips 19 against the well casing Each segment 29 is slidably connected to a companion slip 19 by side tongues 30 on each slip engageable in grooves 31 in each segment; so that relative longitudinal movement between the segments and slips effects radial movement of the slips 19 to or from the wall of the well casing. f

The outer segmentalexpander 29 is also movable radially upon being shifted relatively longitudinally of an inner expander 32 encompassing the lower portion of the body member 10. The inner expander is circumferentially continuous and slidable to a limited longitudinal extent with respect to the body. The inner expander has longitudinally spaced tapered surfaces 33 that converge in an upward direction, being engageable with companion tapered inner surfaces 34 on the segments 29 of the outer expander. The large end of each tapered expander surface 33 terminates at a shoulder 35 on the inner expander, which is engageable with a companion shoulder 36 formed in the outer expander segments 29.

Upon moving the inner expander 32 upwardly within the outer expander segments 29, the latter are urged in a radial outward direction. Converse movement of the inner expander in a downward direction forcibly shifts the outer expander segments 29 radially inward, by Virtue of a tongue and groove connection betweenV each segment and inner expander. As specifically disclosed in the drawings, this connection is constituted by a screw 37 threaded into the inner portion of each outer expander segment 29 substantially 'at right angles to an inner surface 34 of the expander segment. This screw extends through a longitudinal slot 33 in the inner expander that merges into side grooves 39 formed in the inner expander 32 on opposite sides of the slot and extending parallel to the expander surface 33 on the inner expander. The enlarged head 40 of the screw slidably fits within such grooves 39, thereby forming a tongue and groove, or dovetailed, connection `between .each outer expander segment and inner expander.

Accordingly, it is evident that relative downward movement of the inner expander 32 will shift the outer expander'segments 29 radially inward until the inner expander shoulder 35 engages the outer expander shoulders 36. As shown in the drawings, these companion shoulders are preferably inclined inwardly and slightly upwardly, to cause the inner expander 32 to positively hold the outer expander 29 in fully retracted position, and to preclude inadvertent outward movement of the segments of the latter.

The outer expander segments 29 move longitudinally in unison by connecting them to a coupling device 41 Further details of the coupling arrangement will be found in our application Serial No. 243,982, now Patent No. 2,681,113, above referred to, inasmuch as such details are unnecessary to an understanding of the present invention. The

tie links 42 lare prevented from shifting radially out of their coupling relation to the outer expander segments 29 and valve housing 43 by a sleeve 44 that encompasses the lower portion of the valve housing, tie links 42 and the upper portions of the outer segments 29. This sleeve is prevented from dropping downwardly by engaging upper shoulders 45 on the expander segments 29, and is also prevented from moving upwardly by engaging `a screw 46 threaded into the valve housing 43.

The tie link coupling arrangement 41 allows the outer expander segments 29 to move radially inward and outward, the expander segments sliding on the lower portions of the tie links 42. The tie links 42 and valve housing 43 couple all of the segments 29 for longitudinal movement together, and hold such segments in their appropriate, aligned longitudinal relationship.

The valve housing 43 extends upwardly from the tie links 42 and has a plurality of radial ports 47 therein through which fluid can pass between the interior and exterior of the housing. The housing has an internal circumferential valve seat 48 containing a rubber, or rubber-like, seal ring 49, preferably of round cross-section, which is engageable with a cylindrical valve head 50 suitably secured to the tubular mandrel or body member 10.

When the mandrel 10 is moved upwardly, it carries the cylindricalvalve head 50 upwardly with it to dispose it within the cylindrical seat 4S in the valve housing 43, and in sealing engagement with the rubber O-ring 49. Such relative upward movement of the cylindrical valve head within the housing is limited by engagement of a tapered shoulder or stop 51 on the valve head with a companion shoulder or stop 52 on the valve housing 43 below its seal ring 49.

The upper portionof the valve housing 43 is threaded onto thelower end of a circulation sleeve 53, which is spaced from the mandrel 10 to form an annular circulating by-pass passage 54 therewith which can be opened or closed, in dependence upon the position of the cylindrical valve head 50 relative to its companion seat 48. The upper end of the circulation sleeve 53 has an external flange 55 thereon slidable in an upper member 56 threadedly secured to and depending from an upper expander 57 surrounding the packer body 10. The lower portion of the member 56 is threaded into an upper abutment 58 that has an inwardly directed flange 59 engaged by the circulation sleeve ilange or shoulder 55.

The circulation sleeve 53 is encompassed by a packing element 60, in the form of a rubber sleeve, whose upper end engages the upper abutment 58, and whose lower end engages the upper end of the valve housing 43, which, in eiect, constitutes a lower packing abutment, and also a ring 61 threaded on the upper portion of the valve housing, which also functions as part of the lower abutment.

The circulation sleeve 53 is movable upwardly with respect to the upper abutment 58 and expander member 56 to move the abutments 58 and 43, 61 toward cach other, thereby foreshortening the packing sleeve and expanding it outwardly against the well casing B, in a manner described hereinafter.

The annular passage 54 between the circulation sleeve 53 and mandrel 10 continues in an upward direction between the mandrel and the member 56 depending from the upper expander 57. This passage communicates with the exterior of the upper member 56 through one or more side passage ports 62 through the latter.

The upper expander member 57 forms part of the mechanism for anchoring the well packer A to the well casing B against upward movement therein. This expander is provided with one or more longitudinal internal keyways 63 in which keys 64 are slidable that are secured tothe body 10, in order that the latter may be moved upwardly withinv the expander. The expander has a plurality of circumferentially spaced tapered surfaces inclined in an upward and inward direction, for cooperation with companion internal surfaces 66 on upper slips 6/ having external wickers 63 thereon, facing in an upward direction for embedding in the wall of the well casing, to anchor the tool thereto against upward movement. While the companion tapered surfaces 65, 66 insure radial outward movement of the slips 67 upon longitudinal upward movement of the expander 57 within the latter, radial inward movement of the slips to retracted position is obtained by providing side tongues 69 on the slips slidable in companion grooves 70 in the expander, in order that longitudinal separating movement between the expander 57 and slips 67 insures the retraction the latter from the well casing.

The slips 67 are maintained in transverse alignment with respect to one another and are movable relatively longitudinally in unison by connecting them through pins 71 to the lower ends of links 72, whose upper ends extend in the longitudinal grooves 73 formed in an upper slip ring 74 encompassing the mandrel 10. The link arrangement is substantially the same as described above in connection with the lower set of slips 19, the upper portion of each link 72 having a pin 75 extending transversely from both sides of the link for disposition in a peripheral groove 76 in the slip ring, the pins 75 being engageable with the upper and lower sides of the groove 76 to prevent substantial longitudinal movement of the links relative to the slip ring 74. The portions of the links 72 above the pins are engageable with a stop ring 77 encompassing the slip ring 74 and secured thereto by one or more screws 78, to4 preclude outward movement of the upper end of the links.

The slip ring 74 is secured to a lock device 79, which determines the ability to set the tool in the well casing, by means of a swivel connection. Thus, the upper end of the slip ring 74 has an external flange 80 which rests upon a shoulder 81 of a sectional tie ring 82, the upper end of the tie ring having a shoulder 83 resting upon an external flange 84 on the lower portion of a ratchet sleeve ring S5 encompassing the body 10. The sections of the tie ring 82 are prevented from moving radially outward by an encompassing sleeve 86 secured to the tie ring by one or more Screws 87. Because of the swivel connection just described, the slips 67 may be rotated in the casing without rotating the ratchet sleeve ring 85.

The ratchet sleeve ring is threaded, or otherwise secured, to a ratchet sleeve and lower drag collar 88, to which the lower ends of outwardly bowed drag springs 89 are attached by an encompassing ring 9d secured to the lower drag collar by one or more screws 91. The outwardly bowed springs 89 frictionally engage the wall of the well casing B, their upper ends being secured to an upper collar 92 by an encompassing ring 93, that is secured to the upper collar by screws 94. The drag springs S9 tend to resist rotation of the ratchet sleeve 88, and they also tend to resist longitudinal movement of the upper set of slips 67. lf the upper tapered expander 57 can be moved upwardly relative to the upper slips 67, the latter will be shifted outwardly into engagement with the well casing B. The ability to so move theexpander upwardly and, for that matter, to shift all of the other parts relatively in an upward direction, is governed by a lock device acting between the ratchet sleeve S8 and the body or mandrel 10 of the well packer A.

VThe exterior of the mandrel 10 is provided with a plurality of circular ratchet teeth 95 facing in an upward direction, which are engageable with companion internal ratchet teeth 96 formed in a ratchet or clutch ring 97, preferably split into segments, and held together for longitudinal movement by an encompassing contractile snap ring or spring member 98 fitting within an external groove 99 in the segments. These segments have externally tapered` surfaces 100v inclinedv in an upward and inward direction, engaging a companion tapered surface 1%1 in the ratchet sleeve 88. Any tendency for the mandrel to move upwardly causes the ratchet ring 97 to be wedged between the mandrel 10 and the ratchet sleeve 5S, locking the latter two members together and precluding setting of the upper slips 67. However, the lock ring 97 can be expanded out of engagement with the teeth 95 on the mandrel 16, to allow the latter to move upwardly within the ratchet sleeve 88, to set the tool in the well bore by partially rotating the mandrel, all as explained in the above-identiied patent application and also in United States Patent No. 2,368,401.

Initially, the lower end of the inner expander 32 is disposed above a stop ring 102 on the lower body 10 by a predetermined amount. The stop ring may be formed in two parts that are disposed around the body,

with their upper ends engaging a body shoulder 103. A

retainer nut 104 is threaded 011 the lower portion of the body 1t), and has its upper portion encompassing the split ring 162, to hold the two parts in appropriate position on the lower portion of the body. The initial space (not shown) between t-he stop ring 102 and the lower end of the inner expander member 32 is allowed so that the lower set of slips 19 will first be moved upwardly along the outer expander segments 29 and radially. outward to a certain extent before the ring 102 engages the inner expander 32. This latter part is then moved upwardly upon upward movement of the body 10, to expand the outer expander segments 29, and thereby shift the lower slips 21 radially outward to a further extent. Such outward shifting is limited by engagement of the stop shoulder 51 on the valve head 50 with the companion shoulder 52 on the valve housing 43. When this occurs, the lower slips 19 engage the wall of the casing B in a relatively light manner. After such engagement, any downward force imposed on the outer expander segments 29 will cause them to shift alo-ng the inner expander 32 and wedge the lower slips 19 firmly into the wall of the well casing, locking the tool against downward movement therewithin.

As mentioned above, a circulation .joint or control valve D is connected to the upper end of the mandrel or body 1@ of the well packer A, in order to determine the passage of fluid between the interior of the tubular string C an-d the annul-us E above the well packer and between the tubular string and the well casing B. This circulation joint includes the outer barrel or cylinder 11 which is threadedly secured to the upper end of the packer body 1h. For purposes of assembling the parts, this outer barrel or cylinder is constituted by a lower section 10261 attached to the packer body 10, which, in turn, is threaded onto an intermediate section 103g, which is threaded onto an upper section 104er. The lower section lilla has an inwardly directed stop shoulder 105 for engagement with the lower stop shoulder portion 196 of an inner mandrel 107 telescopically disposed within the barrel 11, the upper end of this mandrel being threaded into a coupling collar 198 that is attached to a tubular section C of the tubular string.

The mandrel is made of two sections 1159, 11G threaded together, the upper section 11) having a plurality of circumferentially spaced and longitudinally extending splines 111, welded or otherwise suitably secured thereto, which are engageable with inwardly directed ribs 112 formed on the upper barrel section 104:1. These ribs 112 and splines 111 serve to transmit any required rotation between the circulation joint mandrel 1.07 and the outer barrel 11 to the body 10 of the well packer A. They are spaced arcuately from one another to provide restricted passages 113 through which huid can pass between the tubing-casing annulus E and the interior of the tubular string, in a manner described hereinbelow.

The lower section 109 of the joint mandrel has an enlarged cylindrical seat 114 adapted to be moved upwardly within the intermediate section 10311 of the outer barrel 11, in order that the cylindrical seat or periphery of the lower mandrel section will slidably seal against a packing ring or sleeve 115 disposed, as shown in Fig. 3, in an annular groove 116 formed between a lower shoulder 117 on the upper barrel section 104a and a shoulder 118 provided on the intermediate section 103a. Such sealing engagement between the cylindrical seat 114 and the packing sleeve 115 is determined by engagement of an upwardly facing stop shoulder 119 on the inner mandrel 107 with the lower end or stop shoulder 120 on the intermediate section 103:1.

The packing ring or sleeve 115 is confined in the annular groove 116 between the upper and intermediate barrel sections 10401, 10311 by being molded, or otherwise suitably attached, to an encompassing metallic sleeve 121. Both the ring 115 and metallic sleeve 121 bear against upper and lower heads 122, 123 arranged in the annular groove 116, these heads being slidably engageable with the cylindrical seat 114 on the mandrel, and also making a snug engagement with the base 11611 of the annular gro-ove 116. The heads have opposed skirts 124 engaging the packing sleeve 115, in order to hold it in appropriate position, the intermediate portion 115a of the packing ring or sleeve extending inwardly for slidable sealing contact with the cylindrical valve seat 114. A

The upper and lower heads 122, 123, packing ring 115, and the metallic sleeve 121 are slidable to a slight extent as a unit between the upper section shoulder 117 and the intermediate section shoulder 118. Leakage around the exterior of this assembly is prevented by providing suitable side seal rings 125 in each head, which are engageable with the base or wall 116a of the annular 116.

When the mandrel 107 is pulled upwardly, its cylindrical seat 114 is disposed within the seal ring 115, determined by engagement of the upper stop shoulder 119 with the companion shoulder 120 on the intermediate section 10351 of the outer barrel. When in this position, iluid cannot pass between the interior of the mandrel 107 and the annulus E between the tubular string C and the well casing B. Upon lowering of the mandrel 107 within the barrel 11, the cylindrical seat 114 is moved out of engagement from the companion packing ring 115, the smaller diameter portion 110 of the mandrel then being disposed within this seat, as illustrated in Fig. 2. When in this position, uid can pass in both directions between the tubular string C and the annulus E between the latter and the well casing. As an example, fiuid can liow from the annulus E through the restricted passage 113 between the splines 111 and the ribs 112, -downwardly between the mandrel 107 and the barrel 11, passing through the packing sleeve 11S and down to the lower end of the mandrel 107, the iiuid then continuing upwardly through the latter and on through the upper portion of the tubular string C to the top of the well bore.

In the event the mandrel 107 has been telescoped downwardly to its full extent, its lower stop shoulder 106 will engage the companion shoulder 105 on the lower section 10211 of the barrel 11. However, such engagement will not interfere with the passage of fluid in the manner just described, since the lower portion of the mandrel is provided with longitudinal and radial grooves 126, 127 of substantial area that allow fluid to flow through the flanged portion 128 of the mandrel containing its upper and lower stop shoulder 119, 106 and radially inward to the interior of the mandrel.

The apparatus is made up at the top of the well bore and is lowered in the well casing with the packer parts in retracted position. During such lowering movement, the tubular mandrel 107 of the circulation joint D will be disposed in a downward position with respect to the barrel 11, thereby opening the circulation joint and allowing uid to ilow between the annulus E around the tubular string C and the interior of the tubular string. When the point in the well casing is reached at which the tool is to be anchored in packed-ofi condition, an upward pull is first taken on the tubular string C, which shifts the circulation joint mandrel 107 to its upward position, in which the cylindrical seat 114 is disposed within the packing ring or sleeve 115, thereby closing the circulation joint. The tubular string may now be rotated a partial revolution to the right, such rotation being transferred through the splines 111 and barrel ribs 112 to the barrel 11, and to the body 1t) ofthe well packer. Partial rotation of the body to the right will expand the ratchet lock ring 97 out of engagement with the body of the well packer, as explained in our above-identified application, allowing the body to move upwardly. None of the other parts of the well packer at first tends to move upwardly, since there is no connection between them and the mandrel or body 10, except for the valve head 50, split stop ring 102 and retainer nut 104, and the lower set of slips 19, that are connected to the lower end of the body through the lower slip ring 13, rubber tie sleeve 15 and guide 12.

Initial upward movement of the mandrel 10 causes the guide 12, tie sleeve 15, slip ring 18 and links 21 to shift the lower slips 19 upwardly along their companion outer expander segments 29 to a certain extent, until the stop ring 102 engages the lower end of the inner expander 32. At this time, the valve head 50, that is connected to the body or mandrel 10, has been moved upwardly until its cylindrical periphery engages the valve seal ring 49, thus closing the by-pass or circulation passage 54 around the rubber packing sleeve 60. A continuation of the upward movement of the body 10 then shifts the inner expander 32 upwardly with it within the outer expander segments 29, causing the latter to shift outwardly toward the casing B. At the same time, the slips 19 are also being moved to a further extent upwardly along the outer expander segments 29, the final result being the engagement of the slips 19 with the well casing. Such continued upward movement of the body 10 causes the valve housing 43 to move upwardly, shifting the circulation sleeve 53, rubber packing sleeve 60, expander member 56 and expander 57 upwardly with it, the upper tapered expander S7 being moved upwardly -within the slips 67 and urging the latter radially outward into anchoring engagement with the wall of the well casing B. When such anchoring engagement occurs, the upper expander member 57 and upper abutment 58 are precluded from moving upwardly to any further extent. Accordingly, a continuation of the upward movement of the mandrel 10 will move the valve housing 43 and lower abutment 61, together with the circular sleeve 53 upwardly toward the upper abutment 5S, foreshortening the packing sleeve 60 and expanding it radially outward into iirm sealing engagement with the wall of the well casing, all of the parts now occupying the position illustrated in Figs. 1, la and lb.

Fluid under pressure may now be pumped down the tubular string C, circulation joint D and through the packer mandrel 10, the uid under pressure acting on the underside of the packing sleeve 60 and tending to wedge the upper expander 57 more firmly into the upper slips 67, thereby preventing displacement of the well packer in an upward direction within the well casing. In the event lthat a differential pressure is now imposed on the fluid or liquidin the annulus E between the tubular string C and well casing B, the lower' slips 19 come into play, to preclude downward movement of the well packer. Such differential pressure may be obtained, for example, by swabbing the tubular string C and lowering the fiuid level therein. The pressure in the annulus acts downwardly over the area of the expanded packing sleeve 60, exerting a downward force through the valve housing 43 and onto the outer expander segments 29. Since the inner expander 32 is bearing upon the stop ring 102 secured to the mandrel or body 10, it cannot move downwardly with respect to the body. Accordingly, any downward load imposed on the outer expander segments 29 shifts them slightly along the tapered surfaces 33 of the inner expander 32 and causes them to embed the wickers 26 of the slips 19 more firmly into the wall of the well casing B.

As has just been explained, any predominating pressure differential in the annulus l above the well packer between the tubular string and the casing tends to maintain the lower slips 19 anchored against the well casing and precludes downward movement of the well packer therewithin. In the event it is desired to retract the well packer, this predominating pressure in the annulus must be relieved, in order that the packer body can be shifted downwardly with respect to the parts surrounding it. Such relief is obtained `by shifting the circulation joint mandrel 1117 downwardly to open position, which then allows the fluid in the annulus E to llow through the passages 113 between the splines 111 and ribs 112 and through the annular space between the mandrel 107 and barrel 11, and upwardly through the mandrel 107 into the tubular string C. While such ow from the annulus E into the tubular string C is occurring, and until the pressure internally and externally of the tubular string has been equalized, it is desirable for the well packer to remain set in packed-off condition within the well casing. This is accomplished by virtue of the circulation joint D disclosed, by appropriately proportioning certain areas in the circulation joint and well packer, on which the fluid pressure in the annulus Eis acting.

Since the well packer A is anchored in packed-olf condition by taking an upward pull thereon, the areas in the combination of apparatus disclosed are so proportioned that the well pressure acts over a resultant area that faces downwardly, in order that the well pressure will exert a resultant upward force on the packer body 10. The pressure in the annulus E is acting downwardly on the barrel 11 of the circulation joint, tending to shift the latter and the packer body secured thereto downwardly, over the annular area between the cylindrical seat 1M of the circulation joint mandrel 107 and the external periphery of the barrel. This area is designated M in the drawings. The same pressure is also tending to shift the body 10 downwardly, acting over the `annular area of the valve head St) between the periphery of the packer body 10 and the seal ring 49 engaged by the valve head. This annular area is designated in the drawings by the letter N. The pressure in the annulus E between the tubular string C and the well casing B is also acting in an upward direction on the circulation joint D, over the projected area between the external periphery of the barrel 11 and the periphery of the tubular packer body or mandrel 10.-

This area is designated in the drawings by the letter 1). i

The foregoing areas are so proportioned that the area P over which the fluid pressure in the'annulus E acts in an upward direction is greater than the sum of the areas M and N, over which the fluid acts on the packer body 10 in a downward direction, Accordingly, the pressure in the annulus E is acting on the combination of apparatus disclosed in such manner as to urge the packer body 10 in an upward direction, while at the same time such pressure is acting downwardly on the packing sleeve 60 and the outer expander -segments 29, to urge the lower slips 19 outwardly against the well casing, in order to hold the well packer securely anchored to the well casing. This action occurs during the time that the circulation joint D is closed, as well as during the time that the circulation joint is open. Expressed in another way, so long as the cross-sectional area R across the cylindrical packer valve seat 48 is less than the cross-sectional area S (Fig. 3) across the cylindrical seat 114 in the circulation joint D, the pressure in the annulus E will be acting across a resultant area facing in a downward direction, so that the pressure urges the packer body 10 in an upward direction, to hold the packer set in packed-off condition withinthe well casing.

CTI

When the circulation joint D is in the closed position, illustrated in Fig. 1, the predominant pressure is also acting hydraulically on the circulation joint mandrel 1117, tending to shift it downwardly to open position. The effective area over which this pressure is acting i-s relatively small, being designated by the letter T in Fig. l, and being the annular projected area between the cylindrical valve seat 114 and the periphery of the tubular mandrel section 110 thereabove. A comparatively light tensile pull of the tubular string C is more than suliicient to overcome the downward force of the annulus pressure tending to shift the valve to open position. As a matter of fact, such downward force is utilized when the valve is to be opened, since the annulus pressure E need not be overcome, but actually assists in the lowering of the tubular mandrel 157, to shift the cylindrical seat 114 out of sealing engagement with the rubber packing ring 115, or to open position. Thereafter, the fluid from the Vannulus E will flow into the open circulation joint D, and

on upwardly through the tubular mandrel 107 into the tubular string C.

When the circulation joint D has been opened, it is still desirable to hold the packer A anchored in packed-olf condition against the well casing B. A predominating pressure differential is still maintained in the annulus E by restricting or throttling the liow of fluid into the circulation joint, thereby maintaining a back pressure in the annulus E between the casing and the tubular string. Such restriction or throttling is effected by restricting the area of the passage 113 between the splines 111 and ribs 112 on the mandrel 107 and the upper section 104:1 of the barrel 11. The fluid is retarded in passing through such restricted passages 113, and on into the barrel, thereby maintaining a higher pressure in the annulus E, which is effective in acting in an upward direction over the barrel 11, in order to maintain the well packer sealed and anchored against the well casing, until the pressure inside the tubular string C has been equalized with respect to the pressure in the annulus E. When this occurs, the tubular string C and the circulation joint mandrel 107 attached thereto can be lowered to a further extent, to engage the lower stop shoulder 1tl5 of the mandrel with the companion shoulder on the barrel 11, and allow the packer body 10 to be lowered for the purpose of shifting the guide 12 downwardly. This downward action pulls on the lower slips 19 through the elastic tie sleeve 15 and lower slip ring 18 and links 21, pulling them down along the expander segments 29 and radially inward. If the slips will not release in this fashion, the body 10 is moved downwardly to a further extent until the lower end of the valve head 50 engages the upper end of the inner expander member 32, whereupon the latter is driven in a downward direction, retracting the expander segments 29. When such retraction occurs, the slips 19 are also retracted, assisted by the tension that has been imparted to the rubber tie sleeve 15, which then immediately pulls the slips 19 downwardly to their full retracted position.

Further downward movement of the body 1d then carries the inner and outer expander members 32, 29 with it, and, through the tie links 42, exerts a downward pull on the valve housing d3, shifting it away from the upper abutment 5d and allowing the packing sleeve 60 to retract to its initial position. When the upper shoulder 55 on the circulation sleeve 53 engages the upper abutment 58, further downward movement of the body 1G shifts the upper expander 57 downwardly, causing the upper slips 67 to be moved inwardly to retracted position.

The tool may now be elevated in the well bore, since the lock ring 97 will wedge between the body 10 and the ratchet sleeve 88, to preclude relative upward movement between the parts. During upward movement of the tool in the well casing, the circulation joint D is in closed position, but uid can nevertheless by-pass around the 1 1 retracted packing sleeve 60 through the open passage 54. It can also, of course, flow relatively down along the exterior of the retracted packing sleeve 60. The tool may be removed entirely from the well bore, or shifted to some other position therewithin, where it is to be anchored in packed-olf condition.

It is, accordingly, apparent that a well packer A and circulation joint D combination has been provided, in which any predominating pressure in the annulus E between the tubular string C and the casing B tends to maintain the packer anchored in sealed off condition against the well casing. Even after the circulation joint D has been opened, in order to equalize the pressure internally and externally of the tubular string C, the greater pressure in the annulus E maintains the packerin its packed-off and set condition in the well casing. This condition pertains until the pressure is equalized, whereupon the well packer A can be easily released and shifted in the well casing to a new setting position, or entirely' withdrawn therefrom. The circulation joint D is so arranged that it can be opened without overcoming the pressure in the annulus E between the tubular stringand the well casing. As a matter of fact, such pressure is availed of in facilitating opening, although the action of such pressure is confined to a relatively small area, in order that the opening force of the pressure is comparatively small and is easily resisted by applying a small tension to the tubular string C.

The inventors claim:

l. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body and adapted to be anchored in packed-olf condition in a well casing by taking an upward strain on said body; said packer including a packing structure to seal against the well casing and means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween, one of said members being connected to said body and the other of said members having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; coengageable seal means on said members for closing said annular passage; said body and said one of said members connected to said body having transverse portions thereon which have transverse areas to be acted on by fluid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the packing structure, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said fluid urges said body in an upward direction to maintain the well packer anchored in packed-off condition in the Well casing.

2. ln apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body and adapted to be anchored in packed-off condition in a well casing by taking an upward strain on said body; said packer including a packing structure to seal against the well casing and means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween, said outer member being connected to said body and said inner member having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; coengageable seal means on said members for closing said annular passage; said body and outer member having transverse portions therein which have transverse areas to be acted upon by fluid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the packing structure, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said fluid urges said body and outer member in an upward direction to main- 12 tain the well packer anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing.

3. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body and adapted to be anchored in packed-off condition in a well casing by taking an upward strain onsaid body; said packer including a packing structure to seal against the well casing and means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween, one of said members being connected to said body and the other of said members having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; coengageable seal means on said members for closing said annular passage; said body and said one of said members connected to said body having transverse portions thereon which have transverse areas to be acted on by duid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the packing structure, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said uid urges said body in an upward direction to maintain the well packer anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing; said control valve having an inlet from the annulus to said annular passage, the inlet from the annulus into sai-d annular passage being of restricted area to retard ilow of fluid from the annulus into said annular passage when said seal means are disengaged and maintain a greater uid pressure in the annulus.

4. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body and adapted to be anchored in packed-off condition in a well casing by taking an upward strain on said body; said packing including a packing structure to seal against the well casing and means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween, said outer member being connected to said body and said inner member having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; coengageable seal means on said members for closing said annular passage; said body and outer member having transverse portions thereon which have transverse areas to be acted upon by fluid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the packing structure, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said uid urges said body and outer member in an upward direction to maintain the well packer anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing; said control valve having an inlet from the annulus to said annular passage, the inlet from the annulus into said annular passage being of restricted area to retard flow of duid from the annulus into said annular passage when said seal means are disengaged and maintain a greater fluid pressure in the annulus.

5. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body and adapted to be anchored in packed-off condition in a well casing by taking an upward strain on said body, said packer including a packing structure to seal against the well casing and means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure, a bypass passage around said packing structure, a valve member 'on said structure, a companion valve member on said body movable into and out of engagement with said other valve member to close and open said by-pass passage; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween establishing communication between the exterior and interior of said control Valve; cngageable seal means on said inner and outer members for closing said annular passage; one of said telescopic members being connected to said body and the other of said members having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; said body, companion valve member on Said body and said one of said members connected to said body having transverse portions thereon which have transverse areas to be acted on by iluid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said fluid urges said body in an upward direction to maintain the well packer anchored in packedoff condition in the well casing.

`6. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body and adapted to be anchored in packed-oit condition in a well casing by taking an upward strain onfsaid body, saidvpacker including a packing structure to` seal against the well casing and means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure, a bypass passage around said packing structure, a valve member on said structure, a companion valve member on said body movable into and out of engagement with said other valve member to close and open said by-pass passage; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween establishing communication between the interior and exterior of said control valve; coengageable seal means on said inner and outer members for closing said annular passage; said outer member being connected to said body and said inner member having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; said body, companion valve member on said body and outer member having transverse portions thereon which have transverse areas to be acted on by uid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer, said areas being so related to o-ne another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said fluid urges said body and outer member in an upward direction to maintain the well packer anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing.

7. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body and adapted 'to be anchored in packed-off condition in a well casing by taking an upward strain on said body, said packer including a packing structure to seal against the well casing and means for ancho-ring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure, a bypass passage around said packing structure, a valve member on said structure, a companion valve member on said body movable into and out of engagement with said other valve member to close and open said by-pass passage; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween establishing communication between the interior and exterior of said control valve; coengageable seal means on said inner and outer members for closing said annular passage; said outer member being connected to said body and said inner member having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string;.said body, companion valve member on said body and outer member having transverse portions thereon which have transverse areas to be acted on by fluid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said fluid urges said body and outer member in an upward direction to maintain the well packer anchored in packed-olf condition in the well casing; said control valve having an inlet from the annulus to said annular passage,V the inlet from the annulus into said annular passage being of restricted area to retard flow of fluid from the annulus into said annular passage when said seal means are .disenaged and maintain a greater iluid pressure in the annulus.

8. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body and adapted to be anchored in packed-oit condition in a well casing by taking an upward strain o-n said body, said packer including a packing structure movable with respect to and surrounding said body and adapted to seal against the well casing and body, said packer further including-means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween establishing communication between the exterior and interior of said control valve; a valve seat on one of said members; a valve member on the other of said members engageable with said seat to close sai-d annular passage; one of said telescopic members being connected to said body and the other of said telescopic members having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; said packing structure being exposed and subject to the pressure of the fluid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer when the well packer is anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing; the diameter of saidr seat being greater than the inside diameter of said packing structure; said body and 'said one telescopic member having transverse portions which have transverse areas to be acted on by fluid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said fluid urges said body in an upward direction to maintain the well packer anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing.

9. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body and adapted to be anchored in packed-off condition in a well `casing by taking an upward strain on said body, said packer including a packing structure movable with respect to and surrounding said body and adapted to seal against the well casing and body, said packer further including means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween establishing communication between the exterior and interior of said control valve; a valve seat on one of said members; a valve member on the other of said members engageable with said seat to close said annular passage; said outer member being connected to said body and said inner member having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; said packing structure being exposed and subject to the pressure of the fluid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer when the well packer is anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing; the diameter of said seat being greater than the inside diameter of said packing structure; said body and said outer member having transverse portions which have transverse areas to be acted on by iiuid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said iluid urges said body and outer member in an upward direction to maintain the well packer anchored in packed-oit condition in the well casing.

10. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body and adapted to be anchored in packed-off condition in a well casing by taking an upward strain on said body, said packer including a packing structure to seal against the well casing and means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure, a bypass passage around said packing structure, a valve member on said structure, a companion valve member on said body movable into and out of engagement with said other valve member to close and open said by-pass passage; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween and establishing communication between the exterior and interior of said control valve; one of said telescopic members being connected to said body and the other of said telescopic members having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; one of said telescopic members having a cylindrical seat thereon and the other of said telescopic members having seal means engageable with said seat to close said annular passage; said packing structure being exposed and subject to the pressure of the uid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer when the well packer is anchored in packed-oit condition in the well casing; the diameter of said cylindrical seat being greater than the effective sealing diameter of said companion valve member on said body; said body and said one telescopic member having transverse portions which have transverse areas to be acted upon by uid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said fluid urges said body in an upward direction to maintain the well packer anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing.

ll. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body and adapted to be anchored in packed-off condition in a well casing by taking an upward strain on said body, said packer including a packing structure movable with respect to and surrounding said body and adapted to seal against the well casing and body, said packer further including means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween establishing communication between the exterior and interior of said control valve; Va cylindrical valve seat on one of said members; a valve member on the other of said members engageable with said cylindrical seat to close said annular passage; one of said telescopic members being connected to said body and the other of said telescopic members having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; said packing stmcture being exposed and subject to the pressure of the uid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer when the well packer is anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing; the `diameter of said cylindrical seat being greater than the inside diameter of said packing structure; said body and said one telescopic member having transverse portions which have transverse areas to be acted upon by fluid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said uid urges said body and outer member in an upward direction to maintain the well casing. l2. In apparatus of the character described: a retrievable well packer having a body, a packing structure adapted to seal against a well casing and said body, expansible anchoring means for anchoring said body to the well casing against upward movement, expansible anchoring means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure, said body being movable upwardly to expand said anchoring means against the well casing vand being movable downwardly to effect retraction of said anchoring means from the well casing; a control valve'including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween, one of said members being connected to said body and the other of said members having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; coengageable seal means on said members for closing said annular passage; said body and said one of said members connected to said body having transverse portions thereon which have transverse areas to be acted on by fluid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction whereby said iluid urges said body in an upward direction to maintain the anchoring means of said well'packer and the packing structure in engagement with the well casing.

13. In apparatus of the character described: a retrievable well packer having a body, a packing structure adapted to seal against a well casing and said body,

expansible anchoring means for anchoring said body to the well casing against upward movement, Vexpansible anchoring means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure, said body being movable upwardly to expand said anchoring means against the well casing and being movable downwardly to effect retraction of said anchoring means from the well casing; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween; said outer member being connected to said body and said inner member having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; coengageable seal means on said members for closing said annular passage; said body vand outer member having transverse portions thereon which have transverse areas to be acted upon by uid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said uid urges said body and outer member in an upward direction to maintain the several anchoring means of said well packer and said packing structure engaged with the well casing.

' 14. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body, a packing structure adapted to seal against a well casing and said body, means on said body for anchoring said body toV a well casing against upward movement, expansible anchoring means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition Yto the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downwardmovement relative to said packing structure, a bypass passage around said packing structure, a valve member on said structure, a companion valve member on said body movable into and out of engagement with said other valve member to close and open said by-pass passage; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween establishing communication between the exterior and interior of said control valve; coengageable seal means on said inner and outer members for closing said annular passage; one of said telescopic members being connected to said body and the other of said members having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; said body, companion valve member on said body and said one of said members connected to said body having transverse portions thereon which have transverse areas to be acted on by uid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said fluid urges said body in an upward direction to maintain the several anchoring means and packing structure of the well packer in firm engagement with the well casing.

15. In apparatus of the character described: a well packer having a body, a packing structure adapted to seal against a well casing and said body, means on said body for anchoring said body to a well casing against upward movement, expansible anchoring means for anchoring said packing structure in casing sealing condition to the well casing against downward movement therein while permitting said body to have limited downward movement relative to said packing structure, a bypass passage arround said packing structure, a valve member on said structure, a companion valve member on said body movable into and out of engagement with said other valve member to close and open said by-pass passage; a control valve including inner and outer telescopically arranged tubular members providing an annular passage therebetween establishing communication between the exterior and interior of said control Valve;

one of said telescopic members having a cylindrical seat, and the other of said telescopic members having seal means for engagement with said seat to close said annular passage; one of said telescopic members being connected to said body and the other of said telescopic members having means thereon for attachment to a tubular string; said packing structure being exposed and subject to the pressure of the fluid in the annulus `between the tubular string and casing above the well packer when the well packer is anchored in packed-0E condition in the weil. casing; the diameter of said cylindrical seat being greater than the inside diameter of said packing structure; said body and said one telescopic member having transverse portions which have transverse areas to be acted on by uid in the annulus between the tubular string and casing above the well packer, said areas being so related to one another that the resultant of such areas faces in a downward direction, whereby said fluid urges said body in an upward direction to maintain the several anchoring means and packing structure rmly engaged with the well casing.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,196,664 Kofahl Apr. 9, 1940 2,221,204 Santiago Nov. l2, 1940 2,378,374 Roe June 19, 1945 2,404,692 Church July 23, 1946 2,509,470 Baker May 30, 1950 2,531,791 Silvey Nov. 28, 1950 2,589,506 Morrisett Mar. 18, 1952 2,595,573 Green May 6, 1952 

